LINEBACKER SPOTLIGHT
Player Name: Samuel Payne, Roman Catholic
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185
40-Yard Dash: 4.7
Class of: 2015
Position(s): TE/OLB
Jersey Number: 43
Years with Varsity: 3
Other Sports: None
Starting experience: Samuel has been playing at linebacker since his sophomore year. Last year was his first year starting.
2013 Stats: On defense he had one interception.
Coaches Q&A with Joe McCourt:
Q. What are his strengths at linebacker?
A. He’s a very smart player. He has that knowledge of the game. He knows to fill holes, doesn’t over commit and makes good decisions.
He has instincts and you don’t have to teach him that part of the game. He gets it.
He’s a good run stopper and is quick. But, his best asset is that he’s able to matchup against slot receivers or tight ends and get physical with them. We ask a lot of him in covering those speedy slot receivers, tight ends and the backs coming out of the backfield.
Q. What are his strengths at tight end?
A. He’s like having another lineman out there. We use him primarily as a blocker on offense.
Q. What kind of leader is he?
A. He’s a great leader and the first day we had workouts he was there and hasn’t missed a day since. He leads by example with his work ethic.
He’s one of those guys that comes to work and doesn’t say a whole lot. But people respect him on how hard he works.
Schools of Interest: Brigham Young, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and Temple
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